From Lateef Taiwo
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has assured that all political and public office holders in Katsina State will be encouraged to declare their assets, emphasizing that such transparency is essential.
He gave the assurance yesterday when he received Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, the Acting Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, at the Katsina State Government House.
While hosting the CCB helmsman, Governor Radda reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a conducive work environment for personnel of the Bureau in Katsina.
According to him, there is the need for public officers to first declare their assets to the CCB, if only they are interested in public service.
In his remarks, Barr. Aliyu Kankia highlighted their Bureau’s role in not only overseeing asset declarations, but also ensuring compliance with the code of conduct for public officers.
“This includes addressing issues like conflict of interest, bribery, corruption, prohibition of employment in foreign countries, membership in specific organizations, operating foreign bank accounts, and restriction of business activities to farming,” he said.
Kankia warned that officers concealing assets without proper declaration would forfeit them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He further outlined penalties for making anticipatory or false declarations, including a ten-year ban from holding political offices or vacating current positions.
Acknowledging the initiation of verification exercises involving senior political office holders, permanent secretaries, and heads of government agencies, the CCB Acting Chairman solicited Governor Radda’s support in encouraging widespread asset declaration.
He also sought support from other stakeholders to ensure the effective execution of their Bureau’s mandate.
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